Varanasi Police have initiated strict legal action after a video surfaced on social media showing a shirtless man consuming alcohol while bathing in the River Ganges. The footage, which shows the individual drinking what appears to be beer from a can during a holy dip, triggered widespread outrage among devotees and residents. Authorities have officially registered a First Information Report (FIR) under relevant sections for hurting religious sentiments and violating public order.
The individual has been identified as a resident of Rohtas district in neighboring Bihar. Addressing the development, ACP Dashashwamedh Atul Anjan Tripathi stated that law enforcement has taken formal cognisance of the matter, adding, “A complaint has been received, and an FIR has been registered under relevant sections. The location of the incident and the authenticity of the video are being thoroughly investigated. The man is a resident of Rohtas in Bihar, and a police team will be sent there for his arrest.”
The department has intensified monitoring along the ghats to prevent similar violations. ACP Tripathi emphasized that police regularly conduct patrolling in the area and issued a public advisory, noting, “We appeal to people not to do anything that may offend anyone’s faith or go against religious beliefs and public order.” The incident follows previous local controversies regarding unauthorized activities and parties on boats along the river.
